It was a full house at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield this week, as Shorts, NatWest and Banner Jones Solicitors hosted a 'Question Time' style panel discussion on the topical subject of Brexit.
After opening introductions from Howard Freeman (Shorts) and Steve Smith (NatWest), Senior Economist for RBS Strategy, Economics and Corporate Development team, Phillip Bartlett spoke first, presenting a candid overview of the current UK Economy, with thoughts on the possible impact of Brexit. Presenting ideas on how to prepare for the economy post-Brexit, he covered areas including growth trends, interest rates, productivity and employment.
Phillip then joined the panel, alongside three other experts, as Simon Wright (Banner Jones Solicitors) handed proceedings over to David Grey, Executive Chairman of OSL Group Holdings Ltd, who acted as chair for a lively and interactive 'Question Time' style debate. The panel was made up of;
- Tony Pedder OBE DL, Director of Metalysis Ltd. and Director of EEF Ltd
- Craig McKay, CEO of Evernort Sheffield and Alexander Cromley Birmingham
- Natascha Engel, Government's Commissioner for Shale Gas and former MP
- Phillip Barlett, Senior Economist for RBS Strategy, Economics and Corporate Development team
David Grey expertly lead a lively and fascinating debate with involvement from all panellists. Questions from the floor were non-stop with very little pause for breath and all four panellists contributed with significant amounts of detail and enthusiasm. The atmosphere in the room was very constructive and it was noted that "discussions were extremely informative with light humour and no political grandstanding."
A straw poll which took place during the event showed that only 1 in 3 businesses had done any kind of preparation for Brexit, so a key message from the panel to all of the businesses in the room was to get prepared as much as possible.
Feedback observed that the panel was well-balanced, with representation from parliament, large corporates, SME and Economists, who all gave their informed views, backed up by personal experiences. On closing, one delegate stood up to congratulate the Panel on providing the “Best Panel discussion I have ever witnessed”, and the general view amongst all attendees as they left the Proact Stadium was that it had been a very interesting and enjoyable event.
Howard Freeman commented "Over recent years, Shorts have been working closely alongside NatWest and Banner Jones Solicitors to bring regular events, specifically focussing on topical issues affecting the region's manufacturing businesses and this year, Brexit was the logical topic to cover. Bringing everyone together in this 'Question Time' format worked really well. It was fantastic to see so many of the region's most prominent manufacturing businesses represented, and so many of these getting involved in what turned out to be a really enjoyable morning of sharing views and concerns."
We can now only wait to see how the Brexit situation unfolds, and how the matters discussed play out over the coming weeks and months.
Howard Freeman
Howard joined Shorts as a partner in 2003 and has a varied client base made up of private companies, partnerships and sole traders ranging from small businesses to large groups. Drawing on the experience gained through working for an international firm, Howard provides commercial business advice, providing accounting, audit and tax solutions for companies and businesses of all shapes and sizes. Howard is one of a handful of professionals in the area who is both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser. He is often involved in advising on business acquisitions and disposals and heads our forensic accounting work.
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